Set amidst the grim weeks of the Hundred Years’ War, King Henry V of England battles with leadership, love and France. Viewers watch in awe as the king is forced to confront his internal afflictions while remaining a powerful, fearsome symbol for his troops and country. 

“It’s a roller coaster of a show. There’s a different emotion from my character, Henry, in each scene; you’re either laughing, crying or scared,” said sophomore Caleb Lindsey, who plays King Henry V. 

School of the Arts (SOTA) students performed a week’s worth of the Shakespearean classic “Henry V” from Feb. 13-22. Their dedication to learning dialogue—some of it in French—and choreography was no minor accomplishment for the two-hour show.

While many are skeptical of Shakespeare’s work, even the harshest critics may have been surprised. 

“My main goal as an actor is to make people feel something,” said Lindsey. “I want everyone to leave feeling like they could relate to the show instead of feeling like they were sitting through a history lesson.” 

The Corbett Theatre was transformed from a traditional auditorium-style arrangement into an immersive, encircling layout. The stage was complete with varying, layered platforms and a large centerpiece portraying the stone walls of a castle. Within an arm’s reach of the stage were the rows of seating. 

“Shakespeare doesn’t work unless it’s like that. This type of layout forces the audience to pay attention and makes them appreciate the work we’re doing,” Lindsey described, emphasizing the purpose of this unique setup.

Resembling a basketball game, those sitting front row felt as if they were part of the play. Actors purposefully played into this asset by occasionally speaking to the audience or referencing them. 

Lindsey highlighted the importance of environmental theater. He wanted the audience to perceive all the little details from facial expressions to small inflictions in tone and word.

“The more you can incorporate the audience the better. If they feel like they’re part of the story, it’s going to mean more to them,” he said. 

Tickets for SOTA’s next production, Dance ‘25 on Feb. 28- March 2, can be purchased at nku.edu/tickets.